2016-2017
Hand Book
Singing for 2nd Graders
Jubilate
Bel Canto
Kantorei
Angelica
Cantus
Choral Staff
Choir Office
Jubilate
Dawn Hagerott, Conductor
[email protected]
Heidi Johnson, Accompanist
Located at:
Frances Leach High Prairie Arts & Science Complex
1810 Schafer Street, Suite 4
Bismarck, ND 58501
258-6516
[email protected]
www.aboutcdcc.org
Bel Canto
Teri Fay, Conductor
[email protected]
Joan Eckroth Riley, Accompanist
Kantorei
James McMahon, Conductor
[email protected]
Carol Huck, Accompanist
Angelica
Dawn Hagerott, Conductor
(See contact info above)
Carol Huck, Accompanist
Cantus
Michael Seil, Conductor
[email protected]
Carol Huck, Accompanist
Office Hours:
Mondays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesdays-Thursdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fridays: Closed
(Hours subject to change.)
Administrative Staff
Teri Fay - Artistic Director
Tammy Rector - Executive Director
[email protected]
Amy Miller – Operations Director
[email protected]
Jennifer Bender – Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
CDCC
Board of Directors
Maurice Cook
Teri Fay
Carolyn Fogarty
Gary Hansen
Katherine Henjum
Marci Narum
Michelle Nyhus
Tammy Rector
Maria Roll-Schlecht
Doran Schwartz
Krislyn Thompson
VISION STATEMENT
Central Dakota Children’s Choir (CDCC) has been formed to inspire children to a lifelong love of singing
through the performance of fine choral music.
MISSION STATEMENT
Central Dakota Children’s Choir’s mission is to provide a unique choral education and experience to the
children of central North Dakota, to enrich the artistic community, and to serve as ambassadors for our
state through music and education.
OUR HISTORY
Central Dakota Children’s Choir is the result of a project that Karen Traeholt submitted for the Chamber
of Commerce Leadership Bismarck-Mandan program. To meet the criteria of the proposal for the
project, music teachers were surveyed, community music supporters met, and information about other
children’s choirs was assessed. Once it was determined that a children’s choir was a viable possibility
for the community, a timetable was set up to make Karen’s dream a reality.
At this time, a partnership with Bismarck-Mandan Junior Service League (JSL) was developed. JSL, a
women’s organization of all ages committed to promoting voluntarism and improving the community
through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, adopted CDCC as their project. JSL’s
financial assistance, as well as use of their volunteers, made the continued growth of this organization
possible.
During the summer of 1998, a board of directors was established, the founding director, Teri Fay, was
hired, and articles of incorporation were registered as a North Dakota non-profit corporation. The name,
Central Dakota Children’s Choir, was selected to reflect our regional membership. In 2001, Karen
Traeholt was hired as executive director and Teri Fay was hired as Artistic Director.
Due to the great success of the choir during its first three years, the organization expanded to three
choirs for the 2001 - 2002 season to include grades 3 – 9. The fall of 2004 saw the addition of our 4th
choir, Cantus, for high school students, and in 2005, CDCC added an additional high school treble choir
– Angelica. In January 2011, CDCC introduced “Singing for Second Graders” as an introduction to the
fundamentals of music. The organization continued to grow and in the fall of 2011 a new 4th – 6th grade
choir, Cantabile, was established in Dickinson, ND. In 2015, after working under the umbrella of CDCC
for 4 years, Cantabile became an independent choir continuing to provide children in Dickinson and the
surrounding areas a quality choral music education.
The choirs of Central Dakota Children’s Choir are recognized regionally for their quality and have been
invited, by audition, to perform at state and regional events. CDCC performs 30 to 40 times each year
and is available for special events. They sing annually for 12,000 to 15,000 people.
It is the goal of CDCC to maintain a steady planned growth as it evolves into a strong organization which
provides a nurturing environment where children aspire to their highest level of musical artistry and
personal development.
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MEMBERSHIP
Our singers, grades 2 – 12, come from Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding areas and have a variety of
personal backgrounds. Members attend private, public, and home schools. Auditions are held annually
and are offered by appointment. Each child is notified by letter regarding the outcome.
MANAGEMENT
CDCC is managed as a non-profit North Dakota corporation by a board of directors, who volunteer their
time and expertise to assure that the business is run legally and ethically and in keeping with our vision.
All policies are determined and implemented at the sole discretion of the board of directors.
STAFF
Teri Fay - Artistic Director/Conductor, Bel Canto & Singing for 2nd Graders
Teri has directed CDCC choirs for each of its 19 seasons. Hired as founding director of CDCC and
has also fulfilled the duties of Artistic Director since 2001. Teri is also the founding director of
Angelica, which she led from its inception in 2005 until the spring of 2015. Most recently, she
developed and teaches the “Singing for 2nd Graders” and “Super Summer Singing” classes. Teri’s
vision for CDCC has taken it from 1 choir of 75 to seven different performing/teaching segments
in the Bismarck/Mandan area. Teri is honored to have performed at many local and state
functions over the past years with the CDCC choirs she directs.
Teri, now retired from the Bismarck Public Schools, served the education community as an
Elementary Music Specialist and Band Director at Dorothy Moses School in Bismarck. Being one
of the first Orff teachers in the area, she not only brought about many changes in how music was
being taught in the public school district, but also conceived the idea for the Bismarck Public
Schools Band Camp and, together with Bob Beck, established this unique opportunity for children
to begin learning their instrument. The Dorothy Moses Band, under Teri’s direction, was the first
elementary band to march in the annual Band Night Parade, and Teri was the organizational force
behind the Bismarck 6th Grade All-Star Marching Band for many years. She served on many special
projects for the school district and holds memberships in many professional organizations.
Teri plays horn in the Missouri River Community Band, West River Winds, the Bismarck-Mandan
Symphony Orchestra, and the Bismarck-Mandan Wind Ensemble. She also spent many years as
a cantor, pianist, organist, and choir director at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Because of her
dedication to the school district and community, Teri received the 2000 Crystal Apple Award from
the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. Teri is the composer of “That’s What North
Dakota is to Me,” used at the state Centennial Celebration in 1989 and performed every year by
Bel Canto.
A North Dakota native, Teri is a graduate of Minot State University with additional graduate work
done at the University of Colorado. Teri has earned a Level III Certificate in Orff (studying with
Jos Wuytack), a Level I Certificate in the Kodaly Method and completed Level II of Creating Artistry
with Henry Leck.
She is amazingly proud of her 3 children: MeriCarol (husband Brooks) Shannon, a Circulation
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Services Supervisor with the Hennepin County libraries in the Minneapolis area; Stephanie
Storhaug, an Elementary Music Specialist and Children’s Theatre Director living in Seattle; and
Ron Storhaug, working in Washington D.C as Senior Economic Policy Advisor to Senator Tim
Kaine, VA.
Tammy Rector - Executive Director
Tammy joined our staff in September, 2007 as Operations Director. In 2009, she was promoted
to Project Manager and in the fall of 2012 took on the additional duties of Director of
Development. In the spring of 2015, she accepted the position of Executive Director following
the retirement of Karen Traeholt.
Tammy graduated magna cum laude from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in
Business Administration with special emphasis in personnel management and speech
communication. She and her husband, Tim, moved to Mandan, ND in 1994. In 1996, they opened
Heart River Animal Hospital, where Tim was a private practitioner and Tammy kept the books
and thoroughly enjoyed being a full-time, stay-at-home mom. Prior to moving to ND, Tammy was
an account representative for a printing business in Spokane, WA. Before that she worked as an
editorial advisor at an educational publishing company in Manhattan, KS.
Tammy grew up in a musical family. Her mother directed the church choir and she and her
brother and sisters performed for school and community events from a young age. Her love of
music continued through high school and college where she participated in concert choir, swing
choir, All-State and various ensembles. Her first encounter with CDCC was seeing Bel Canto pose
for pictures on the steps of the State Library. She was so impressed, she approached Karen to
inquire about the group and made a mental note of how old her daughter would need to be to
audition!
Tammy and Tim have two children, Erin and Thane. Erin was one of the first 10+ year students,
participating in both Kantorei and Angelica her freshman year and Angelica and Cantus as a
junior. Thane was a member of CDCC for three years.
Dawn Hagerott - Conductor, Jubilate & Angelica
Dawn brings a great deal of vocal and choral experience to CDCC. She has a Master of Music
degree from Northern Arizona University where she was a graduate assistant in opera, and a
music instructor for six years. She was the chair of the vocal department of the Northern Arizona
University Preparatory School of Music where she was a voice instructor and children’s choir
director. She was also the choral director of Flagstaff Middle School and the Flagstaff Arts and
Leadership Academy. Dawn conducted the ensembles of the Academy at the Grand Canyon for
President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore.
Before moving to Arizona, Dawn and her husband David lived in Moscow, Idaho for six years
where they attended the University of Idaho. Dawn graduated with a Bachelor of Music
Education and was a featured soloist with several choruses and orchestras of Washington and
Idaho. She also directed the children’s choir at Emmanuel Lutheran church in Moscow. Prior to
returning to her hometown, Dawn and her husband, David, were in Dickinson for a year where
Dawn was an adjunct professor of music for Dickinson State University. She was also the
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children’s choir director at St. John Lutheran Church and the director of the Badlanders
Barbershop Chorus.
Dawn is a member and soloist with the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus and the vocal chamber
ensemble Inspiraré. Dawn has played leading roles in many operas, including the Queen of the
Night in The Magic Flute by Mozart with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra. Dawn was
soloist in Handel’s Messiah with orchestras in Arizona, Dickinson and Bismarck. As a member of
the BMCC opera board, Dawn presents an educational program about opera for the Bismarck
Public Schools each year, in addition to an education program about choir with Jubilate, as part
of the school district’s Student Instructional Programs. In the summer of 2005, Dawn was the
soprano soloist in Rutter’s Requiem with the Frankfurt Philharmonic in Rothenburg, Germany.
Dawn also keeps busy presenting vocal master classes, directing festival choruses, and
adjudicating festivals and competitions in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. She has
directed the North Dakota ACDA Surround the State in Song, the Northern Plains Music Festival,
the South Dakota Elementary Choral Festival, and the Bismarck All-City Middle School Choral
Festival. Dawn is an active member of the American Choral Director’s Association, and is
President of the ND National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Dawn has been the director of the Jubilate Choir of Central Dakota Children’s Choir since its
inception in 2001 and is in her second year as the director of the Angelica choir. Dawn has been
teaching music at Bismarck State College since 2000 and is currently an associate professor of
music at BSC where she has twice been the recipient of the faculty award for excellence. Dawn
is also an adjunct professor of music for Dickinson State University in their new Bachelor of Music
Program through DSU at BSC. Her husband, David, is employed with AE2S. Their son Morgen was
a singer in CDCC for ten years and Gabriel was a member of Jubilate for two years.
Although Dawn loves to perform music, her true passion lies in teaching music. She enjoys sharing
her knowledge and love of singing with singers of all ages. She believes singing gives us the ability
to connect to people at a deeper level that transcends ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
We can be a member of a chorus and become part of something that is unified and much larger
than us. Singing is something we can share with others and enjoy our entire lives.
Michael Seil – Conductor, Cantus
Michael Seil is the director of choral music at Legacy High School. This past November, Mr. Seil
was the vocal director for the Bismarck Public School’s production of the musical “The Wizard of
Oz.”
Mr. Seil is also the director of the Cantus Choir of the Central Dakota Children’s Choir. Cantus
consists of selected students in grades 10-12 from Burleigh and Morton Counties. Cantus was
selected as one of four invited choirs for the 2009 Concordia College Choral Festival. In
September of 2007, Cantus performed Schubert’s Mass in G Major with the Missouri Valley
Chamber Orchestra and performed at the March 2008 NDMEA Conference in Bismarck.
Prior to teaching at LHS, Mr. Seil was the choral director at Bismarck High School from 2003-2013
and at Simle Middle School in Bismarck from 1996-2004. As a member of ACDA, Mr. Seil serves
as North Dakota’s Repertoire and Standards Chair for Vocal Jazz. Mr. Seil also serves as the
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NDMEA All-State Vocal Jazz Honor Choir chairperson. In February of 2012, Mr. Seil was selected
as the NDACDA “Choral Director of the Year.” In May of 2011, Mr. Seil was selected as the
Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year.” In
2007, Mr. Seil was selected as the Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club “Teacher of the Year.” Mr. Seil was also
awarded the 2002 KXMB Golden Apple Award.
Away from school, he is an active clinician, soloist, composer, pianist and arranger. Mr. Seil
served as the director of the 2012 NDACDA Junior High/Middle School Mixed Honor Choir. Mr.
Seil is a 1995 graduate of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, studying under Dr. James
Rodde. He is married to Sheri (Schwindt) Seil, a DDS administrator for North Dakota. They have
a son (Harrison) who is currently in Kantorei and a daughter (Addison) who is currently in Bel
Canto.
Jim McMahon, Conductor, Kantorei
James McMahon is the Director of Choral Activities at Simle Middle School in Bismarck, North
Dakota, where he has over 350 students participating in the Choral program. James received the
Golden Apple Award in 2007 for teaching excellence, and was recognized as the 2008 North
Dakota ACDA Young Choral Director of the Year. While in college, Mr. McMahon was awarded
“Best Male College Jazz Vocalist” at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. James has performed at
venues in New York, New Orleans, L.A., and Montreux, Switzerland. James was most recently
voted “Favorite Keyboardist” during the 2016 North Dakota Music Awards.
Locally, he can be found playing trumpet, piano, percussion and as a vocalist in varying local
groups and primarily with the folk duo “The McMahon Bros.” As a trumpet player, he is now
proudly representing Getzen as a Trumpet Artist, is on the International Music Camp faculty, is
the former Principal Trumpet of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony, and maintains a private
trumpet studio. He is also active in the community as an employee of the Bis-Man Food Coop
and serves as the Past-President of the Dakota West Arts Council Board of Directors. James is in
his 13th year as the Director of Choral Activities at Simle Middle School and is an active musician,
educator, and composer. This is his 4th season as the director of Central Dakota Children’s Choir’s
Middle-Level group, Kantorei.
He especially takes pride in his personal life, enjoying the outdoors, house projects and spending
time with his three amazing sons Justice, Avery, and Stryder, and with the love of his life, Mollie.
Carol Huck - Accompanist, Kantorei, Angelica & Cantus
Carol is a native of Bismarck and first studied piano locally under Erma Garrity. She is a 1981
graduate of North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education.
She was a member of the NDSU Concert Choir and was the accompanist for the renowned
composer/director Edward Fissinger. Carol studied piano privately under Andrew Froelich while
at NDSU.
She has been an accompanist for Bismarck and Mandan Public Schools and has a long history of
musical involvement in the community. Carol is active in local church and community musical
groups and is employed with Eckroth Music in Bismarck.
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Carol has two grown children and one younger son. She resides in Mandan with her husband,
Don, and youngest son, Trevor.
Heidi Johnson – Accompanist, Jubilate
Heidi Johnson began her involvement with children’s choirs as a charter member of the
Northfield Youth Choirs in Northfield, MN. She attended Northwestern College in MN where she
earned her degree in Music Education. After teaching elementary music, private voice, and
private piano lessons in the Twin Cities, she moved to Platteville, WI. Heidi accompanied the
Concert Choir at UW-Platteville and the Choristers choir of the Platteville Children’s Choir. In
2003, she became the director of the Cantabile choir (6-8 graders). During her ten-years as the
Cantabile director, she initiated and planned a bi-annual weekend tour. While in Platteville, Heidi
taught private voice and piano lessons as well as music history, class voice and private voice as
an adjunct faculty member at Emmaus Bible College. She has always enjoyed performing as a
freelance vocalist and pianist wherever she has lived. Heidi’s husband, Ethan, serves as the
Pastor of Worship Arts at Century Baptist Church in Bismarck, and she enjoys serving alongside
him as an active church musician. Most of Heidi’s time and energy goes toward her three
wonderful children: Amelie, Isaiah and Alaina.
Joan Eckroth-Riley – Accompanist, Bel Canto
Joan Eckroth-Riley teaches general music at Sunrise Elementary in Bismarck, ND. She is the
author of the Alfred Music publication, “Everyday Improvisation; Interactive Lessons for the
General Music Classroom,” and is the 2016 ND Music Educator of the Year. In over thirty years
of teaching, Joan has shared the joys of making music with general music and band students
ranging in age from kindergarten through college-aged students. In addition to her teaching
duties, Joan is a frequent workshop presenter on Standards and the Orff process and is a JW
Pepper Clinician. Joan received her M.A. in music education with an emphasis in Orff Schulwerk
from the University of St. Thomas.
Amy Miller – Operations Director
Amy became part of CDCC’s staff in February, 2009. She is a Bismarck native. Amy has degrees
from BSC and Alexandria Technical College. She has a strong background in customer service and
design. Amy started as our Administrative Assistant and shortly after assumed Operations
Director responsibilities.
Amy and her husband, Brett, have three amazing children, Samuel, Rory & Eva.
Jennifer Bender – Administrative Assistant
Jennifer began working at CDCC this summer. She has a teaching degree from Moorhead State
University, taught 3rd grade in Minnesota and Special Education in Hawaii, and is currently
homeschooling her 3 boys, Lucas (17), Nathan (14), and Eric (12) with her husband, Dave. Nathan
has been involved with CDCC since 2011.
CHOIR DESCRIPTIONS
Singing for 2nd Graders is an introductory music class for boys and girls. The pre-choir meets one
time per week for 45 minutes. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of music through
singing, dancing, speaking and creating. Classes are taught by Teri Fay. Performances are limited.
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Jubilate is an entry level choir for boys and girls. The choir rehearses one time per week for 60
minutes. Emphasis is placed on unison singing, ear training, and simple note reading skills. The
choir is directed by Dawn Hagerott. Public performances are limited.
Bel Canto is an upper elementary level choir for boys and girls. The choir rehearses two times
per week for 45 minutes each rehearsal. The choir develops skills to sing two and three part
music, ear training, sight singing, and other musical skills. The choir is under the direction of Teri
Fay. Bel Canto sings for a variety of community and concert events.
Kantorei is a middle school level choir for boys and girls. The choir rehearses one time per week
for 90 minutes. The choir sings three and four part music, continues developing ear training,
sight singing, and many other musical skills. Jim McMahon is the director of Kantorei. Kantorei
also sings for community and concert events.
Angelica is a high school level treble choir for girls. The choir rehearses one time per week for
90 minutes. Angelica focuses on continued development of choral vocal skills, and performs
throughout the community in a variety of concert settings. Dawn Hagerott is the director.
Cantus is a high school level choir for boys and girls. The choir rehearses one time per week for
90 minutes. Cantus completes our organization with a fully balanced SATB choir focusing on
continued development of choral vocal skills, and performs throughout the community in a
variety of concert settings. Michael Seil is the director of Cantus.
PERFORMANCES
Christmas Concert Series & Spring Concert Series: Each concert has two performances. Each
choir performs individually and combines as one large choir for one or two selections during each
concert.
CDCC Limited Edition Concert Series: Two concerts in March. Each concert features two or three
choirs each night.
Singing in Style: Large banquet style fundraiser held annually in the fall.
MUSIC needs U: Kantorei hosts a one day choir camp for area 6th graders.
MidWinter Warmth: Angelica’s signature concert.
Educational Concert Series: Bel Canto performs for 2nd & 3rd grade students from Burleigh and
Morton County each spring.
Cantus Unabridged: Cantus’ signature concert where they perform a culmination of their work
for the year.
Additional performances are scheduled throughout the year as opportunity and availability
permit.
FUNDING
Although a major portion of our funds comes from parent-paid tuition, individual and corporate
contributions, and concert revenue, other funding is necessary. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization,
CDCC is eligible for grants and other tax deductible contributions.
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TUITION
CDCC is a non-profit organization with the board of directors setting tuition each year. Rates are based
in part on allocation of resources and the number of hours of instruction.
TUITION WAIVERS
A limited number of financial assistance tuition waivers are available each year. Tuition waivers are
awarded on the basis of demonstrated need. Funds for tuition waivers are contributed by area service
clubs, granting institutions, contributions, and CDCC.
CDCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
The board of directors consists of community representatives. In addition, the executive director and
the artistic director serve as advisory non-voting members. They meet at 6:30 pm on the fourth Thursday
of each month at the Frances Leach High Prairie Arts and Science Complex. Any notice of change in
meeting time or date will be posted in the choir office.
COMMUNICATIONS
The choir will help you keep up with events and expectations through the following vehicles:
Monthly Memos & Notes
Monthly memos will contain timely information on upcoming concerts/events, fundraisers,
forms, and other choir happenings. They are distributed to all singers as needed. Your children
are responsible for delivering memos to you; please ask for them. All communications for
Jubilate & Bel Canto will be sent home in the choir binder which is provided during choir camp or
by email. Communications for Kantorei, Angelica, and Cantus will mostly be emailed. Some notes
will be sent home in the choir binder. It is very important that all singers bring the choir binder
to every rehearsal.
E-mail
The choir e-mail address is [email protected]. Email is one of the best forms of
communication with our choir families. We use them for reminders, for soliciting volunteers, for
sending last minute information, and any other things that may come up at the last minute (i.e.
– blizzard warning, rehearsal has been cancelled). If your email changes during the year, please
let us know so we can update your information.
Text
Parents will have the option of signing up for text reminders through Remind. Text messages will
be reserved for important and last minute reminders/notices including rehearsal cancelations,
ticket purchasing reminders, performances reminders, etc.
New Parent Meeting
The orientation and planning meeting is held annually in May for students and parents new to
CDCC. This is a very important forum for announcements, questions, answers, and feedback. At
least one parent of each new member needs to attend.
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Website
Check out our website (www.aboutcdcc.org). Log on to check our performance dates, updated
notes, newsletters, and to purchase tickets.
Facebook
Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aboutcdcc
A Tempo
All singers, former singers, and contributors receive the CDCC newsletter throughout the year.
This publication contains important information on upcoming events, director’s updates and
insight into CDCC. Please look it over and keep it as a reference for choir activities.
CHOIR CAMP
Choir camp signals the beginning of our choir season. Warm-up routines, ear training, learning new
repertoire, group dynamics, and in depth training are all established during this very important week.
Choir t-shirts are passed out during choir camp.
REHEARSALS
Regular rehearsals will begin:
Jubilate:
Monday, August 30
Bel Canto:
Monday, August 29
Kantorei:
Monday, August 29
Angelica:
Sunday, August 28
Cantus:
Sunday, August 28
Rehearsal times and locations during the school year are as follows:
Singing for 2nd Graders – (Starts January 2017)
Tuesday
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Frances Leach HPASC-Allegro Hall
Jubilate
Monday
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Bismarck State College
Rehearsal Room – Leach Music Center
Bel Canto
Monday
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Frances Leach HPASC-Allegro Hall
Thursday
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Frances Leach HPASC-Allegro Hall
Kantorei
Monday
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Simle Middle School Choir Room
Angelica
Sunday
5:00- 6:30 p.m.
Legacy High School – Choir Room
Cantus
Sunday
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Legacy High School – Choir Room
The rehearsal sites will be open only 15 minutes prior to rehearsal. Please keep this in mind during
inclement weather.
DROP OFF/DISMISSAL
To keep the drop off and pick up of the singers safe and efficient, we have created the following system:
 Your child should not arrive at rehearsal site more than 15 minutes early.
 Dismissal is always on time. Please pick your child up promptly.
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REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE
To perform well, the choir needs complete cooperation from everyone during rehearsals. An
outstanding choir is one whose members:
• Are on time, and ready to sing,
• Enter and leave the building quickly and quietly,
• Stay in designated areas,
• Go to the bathroom before rehearsal begins,
• Leave running, yelling, horseplay, food, beverages, and gum at home,
• Listen carefully to the director,
• Are attentive listeners,
• Treat each other with respect, courtesy, and kindness, and,
• Have a positive attitude.
Choir is a group experience - everyone needs to cooperate. Singers who do not follow the rules may be
asked to sit out the duration of the rehearsal. We will not allow the actions of one child to adversely
affect the entire organization.
MUSIC
Kantorei, Angelica, and Cantus choir members will be assigned individual copies of music to be put in
their binders. They are responsible for returning these copies of music to the music director in good
condition and free of pencil marks. Choir members will be billed for lost or damaged music.
ATTENDANCE
As a result of the audition process, membership in this choir is an honor. This is to be considered a year
long commitment towards the success and growth of the choir. Each member is an important part of
this group experience; therefore, the progress of this group depends on your consistent attendance and
all rehearsals are required except for the following reasons:
• A major school conflict
• An acute illness
• A family emergency
Attendance will be taken at each rehearsal. Singers are to arrive five minutes early, ready to sing at the
assigned time. Arriving late disrupts the rehearsal and limits valuable rehearsal time.
In the event of an expected absence, please fill out a “Choir Absence Form,” found in the choir binder,
before the absence. It alerts the director so that rehearsal adjustments can be made. If something
unexpected arises, please have your child bring the completed form when they return to choir even if a
phone call has been made.
Attendance policy:
1. A singer may miss no more than 3 unexcused and 6 tardy absences per semester
2. Additional absences may be grounds for dismissal.
3. Any unexcused absence from a performance could be grounds for dismissal.
We appeal to your sense of responsibility when reporting absences. It will be necessary for the director
to know the reason for each absence. The directors retain the right to use their best judgement in
making decisions regarding this subject.
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WAIVERS
In order to participate in Central Dakota Children's Choir, all students and parents must sign a release or
waiver of claims.
REQUIRED SCHOOL CHOIR ENROLLMENT
All students participating in Kantorei, Angelica, and Cantus are required to be enrolled in a school choir.
This is a CDCC board policy.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
If a rehearsal or scheduled event must be canceled due to severe weather, CDCC will put a message on
KFYR. If possible, CDCC will also send an e-mail announcement, post it on the website, and send a
Remind text.
PERFORMANCE ETIQUETTE
During a performance a choir is judged as much on its professional behavior as it is on the performance
it offers. Prior to the performance each singer is expected to:
• Know exactly what he or she is supposed to wear. The singer must inspect all the pieces of his or
her uniform the day before the performance to make sure they are clean and wrinkle free.
• Arrive at call time for performances entering the building quickly and quietly. Children arriving
prior to call time may not have proper supervision.
• Go to the bathroom before lining up with the choir.
• Listen carefully to all pre-performance instructions.
While performing, each singer is expected to:
• Maintain a proper stance with a quiet body
• Watch the director
• Remain focused
While listening to another choir perform, each singer is expected to:
• Practice proper concert etiquette
• Remain quietly in their seats
• Refrain from using cell phones during the concert
Remember - whether you are wearing the formal uniform, the CDCC shirt, singing on stage, or simply
walking to the parking lot after the concert, YOU ARE REPRESENTING THE CHOIR! Do not remove any
parts of the uniform until you are away from the site. CDCC reserves the right to dismiss any singer who
jeopardizes the health or well-being of any choir or singer, or exhibits behavior which reflects negatively
on CDCC.
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USE OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS
Any instance of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs by a student in CDCC will be brought before
the board of directors.
UNIFORMS
Formal: Each singer is required to purchase the choir’s designated formal uniform for
performances. The uniforms for the choirs are as follows:
Jubilate Girls Tuxedo Shirt, Black Floor Length Skirt, Red Vest, Black Bow Tie
Boys Tuxedo Shirt, Black Tuxedo Pants, Red Vest, Black Bow Tie
Bel Canto Girls Tuxedo Shirt, Black Palazzo Skirts, Blue Vest, Black Bow Tie
Boys Tuxedo Shirt, Black Tuxedo Pants, Blue Vest, Black Bow Tie
Kantorei Girls Black Floor Length Dress
Boys Tuxedo Shirt, Black Tuxedo Pants, Black Vest, Black Bow Tie
Angelica Girls Black Floor Length Dress (same dress as Cantus)
Cantus
Girls Black Floor Length Dress
Boys Tuxedo Shirt, Black Tuxedo Pants, Black Tux Jacket, Black Tie
All tuxedo shirts should have black button studs.
Boys must wear a pair of completely black, flat, dress shoes and BLACK SOCKS. Jubilate & Bel
Canto Girls must wear a pair of completely back dress shoes (no higher than one inch heels) and
either BLACK socks, nylons, or tights. Kantorei, Angelica, and Cantus Girls must wear completely
back dress shoes (no higher than 1 inch heels) and black nylons, tights, or knee high socks. No
bare legs, no flip flops, and no sandals.
Informal: CDCC T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
CDCC will provide a t-shirt to singers for the choir that they are in. In addition to that, every other
year, we will be offering additional t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale to singers who would like
more options. For the choirs that travel, in particular, we have been asked to provide more
options since our singers are required to stay in CDCC clothing while we are traveling. Our next
sale is scheduled for this fall.
Uniform Checklist:
• Uniforms must be clean and wrinkle-free for each performance,
• Hair - clean, simply done, out of eyes,
• Hair decorations - only small clips or ties the same color as hair are permitted - no scrunchies,
bows, etc.
• No necklaces or chains,
• Earrings - no dangles or large pieces. Small, simple studs are permissible.
• Make up - must be minimal, heavy make-up is not allowed,
• Tuxedo shirts must have black studs. If broken or lost, they may be purchased from any
formal wear store, and,
• No perfume or cologne.
Information regarding fittings and purchase options will be provided at the parent meeting. The
cost of new formal uniforms varies. Uniforms are ordered through Bridal ‘n More.
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UNIFORM SALE
Singers may choose to sell their uniforms on consignment or purchase used uniforms through the CDCC
office.
CHOIR PICTURES
Group choir pictures are taken each fall. Order blanks will be sent home prior to the photo shoot.
Individual pictures will also be taken at that time. The individual pictures will be used for the Memory
Book which will be printed at the end of the year. CDCC needs individual pictures of each child,
regardless of whether they do or don’t purchase the group picture.
TICKET PRICES
Ticket prices for concerts sponsored by CDCC will vary per event. Ticket prices for events will be printed
in the Monthly Memos, the A Tempo Newsletter, and on the website. Tickets may be purchased two
weeks prior to the event through the choir office. Please stay tuned for more information as events get
closer.
Occasionally, one of the choirs will perform as guests at another concert where admission is charged.
While the singer will be allowed free admission to the concert, the parents will need to pay admission to
attend the concert.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is a part of CDCC. Tuition covers 30% of CDCC’s total income. The rest of our income comes
from concerts, performances, corporate income, grants, and individual contributions. The reality is that
we need to fundraise so that we can accomplish as much as we would like to for each CDCC student.
Fundraising is voluntary. We hope that you will see what CDCC does for your child and feel that it is
worthwhile to help with these projects.
Share in the Song
This is a letter writing campaign that CDCC does each fall.
Ornaments
The choir has ornaments designed especially for them. They are available for sale after
Thanksgiving. Each year the ornament has a different color and slogan.
Singing in Style
This fundraiser features a dinner, style show, concert, raffle, and silent auction. The date for this
year’s event is November 6, 2016.
Giving Hearts Day
A 24-hour online fundraising event hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact
Foundation held on February 9, 2017.
Fourth of July
CDCC sells glow in the dark merchandise at the Fourth of July fireworks celebration at the ND
State Capitol Grounds.
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T-shirt & Sweatshirt Sales
Every other year we will be offering t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale to singers who would like
more options. Our next sale is scheduled for this fall.
*** CDCC receives no compensation for sales of photos, video tapes, DVDs, or CD recordings. All
proceeds go directly to the supplier. This is done so that the children have an opportunity to have
keepsakes of the choir.
PARENT VOLUNTEER FEE:
As a nonprofit organization, Central Dakota Children’s Choir depends heavily on volunteers. We also
understand that your time is valuable and your commitments are many. Therefore, we do not expect
you to volunteer for everything; however, we do ask that as a parent of a CDCC singer, you commit to
volunteer at least twice throughout the season. Included in your child’s tuition invoice, is a $20 volunteer
fee. At the end of the season, if you have completed your volunteer requirement, we will refund this fee.
Our most effective way of finding volunteers is through email requests, so please keep your eye out for
emails from the office requesting volunteers.
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DATES TO REMEMBER 2016-2017
Date
July 31
Event
Tuition Due
Choir
All Choirs
Location
Time
August 1-4
Bel Canto Camp
Bel Canto
Frances Leach HPASC
9:00 a.m. – noon
August 3-5
Angelica Camp
Angelica
Bismarck State College
1:30 - 4:30pm
August 10-12
Jubilate Camp
Jubilate
Bismarck State College
9:00 – 12 noon
August 10
New Parent Meeting
Jubilate
Bismarck State College
11:30 am - noon
August 16-18
Kantorei Camp
Kantorei
Simle Middle School
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
August 16-18
Cantus Camp
Cantus
Legacy High School
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
September 12
Jubilate Photos
Jubilate
Frances Leach HPASC
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
September 12
Bel Canto Photos
Bel Canto
Frances Leach HPASC
6:00- 6:30 p.m.
September 13
Cantus Photos
Cantus
Frances Leach HPASC
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
September 13
Angelica Photos
Angelica
Frances Leach HPASC
5:45 - 6:15 p.m.
September 14
Kantorei Photos
Kantorei
Frances Leach HPASC
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
November 6
Singing in Style
All Choirs
Ramkota
5:00 p.m.
November 16
BPS SIPs Concerts
Jubilate & Bel Canto
Belle Mehus
9:00 a.m. & 10:30
December 16 & 17
Christmas Concert
All Choirs
Belle Mehus
7:30 p.m.
February 25
MidWinter Warmth
Angelica
Frances Leach HPASC
10:00 a.m.
March 4 (tentative)
Limited Edition Concert
Jubilate, Kantorei, &
Angelica
Legacy High School
7:30 p.m.
March 5 (tentative)
Limited Edition Concert
Bel Canto & Cantus
Legacy High School
3:00 p.m.
April 26 (tentative)
2nd & 3rd Grade Concerts
Bel Canto
Simle Middle School
All Day
April TBA
Kantorei Tour
Kantorei
TBA
TBA
May 7
Cantus Unabridged
Cantus
Legacy United Methodist
7:00 p.m.
May 19 & 20
Spring Concert
All Choirs
Belle Mehus
7:30 p.m.
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Tuition Payment Schedule
Payment Options:
Plan A: Pay full tuition by June 30, 2016 and receive an Early Bird Discount (see chart below).
Plan B: Pay full tuition by July 31, 2016. If the full tuition is not paid by the due date, a $30 late fee will be assessed.
Plan C: Pay tuition in six monthly installments. You will need to go online and register for this plan through our
website (www.aboutcdcc.org) by July 31, 2016. Monthly tuition payments are not offered through the choir office.
You must set up an automated credit card deduction through our website. This monthly payment plan is processed
through PayPal.
Plan D: Request a tuition waiver. Written request due by June 16, 2016. More information on back side of this
form.
Tuition Amounts
Jubilate
(3rd & 4th Grade)
Bel Canto
(5th & 6th Grade)
Kantorei
(7th, 8th & 9th Grade)
Angelica
All Women’s Choir
Cantus
Mixed High School
Amount
$230
Due Date
July 31, 2016
Early Bird Discount
(if paid in full by June 30th)*
$219*
$280
July 31, 2016
$266*
$320
July 31, 2016
$304*
$370
July 31, 2016
$352*
$370
July 31, 2016
$352*
Sibling and 2nd Choir Discounts
Families with two or more children in CDCC and singers in two choirs receive a reduced rate. The oldest child pays
full tuition and subsequent children pay half tuition for the choir they are in. 9th grade girls singing in Kantorei and
Angelica, pay full price for Kantorei and half price for Angelica. Girls in both Angelica and Cantus pay half tuition
for the 2nd choir. Reduced tuition rates are as follows:
Jubilate
Bel Canto
Kantorei
Angelica
Cantus
Due by July 31, 2016
$115
$140
$160
$185
$185
Parent Volunteer fee - $20
Payment Methods
We accept:
Checks (payable to CDCC)
Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard & Discover)
PayPal (create an account through our website: www.aboutcdcc.org)
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